‘The Big Short’ is No. 1 in movies on demand; ‘Sisters’ is No. 2

by byte clay

“The Big Short” debuted at No. 1 for movies on demand from March 14 to March 20, 2016, according to Rentrak. When four outsiders saw what the big banks, media and government refused to, the global collapse of the economy, they had an idea: The Big Short. Their bold investment leads them into the dark underbelly of modern banking where they must question everyone and everything. Based on the true story and best-selling book by Michael Lewis, and directed by Adam McKay, “The Big Short” stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt. “The Big Short” won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. The movie was a hit with critics and cinema audiences.

“Sisters” debuted at No. 2. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler reunite in “Sisters,” the story of two disconnected sisters summoned home to clean out their childhood bedroom before their parents sell the family house. Looking to recapture their glory days, they throw one final high-school-style party for their classmates, which turns into the cathartic rager that a bunch of ground-down adults really need. Although “Sisters” was a hit at the box office, most critics disliked the movie.

“Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip” debuted at No. 3. Hit the road with your favorite Chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore race to Miami on a wild road trip but their jaunt soon takes a nutty detour, leading to hilarious highway hijinks and music-packed adventures across the country. This animated film’s voice cast includes Jason Lee, Tony Hale, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Josh Green, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Anna Faris and Christina Applegate. “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip” got mostly negative reviews but did solid business at the box office.

“Creed” fell from No. 1 to No. 4. “Creed” reunites writer/director Ryan Coogler with his “Fruitvale Station” star Michael B. Jordan as the son of Apollo Creed, and explores a new chapter in the “Rocky” story, starring Academy Award nominee Sylvester Stallone in his iconic role. Adonis Johnson (played by Jordan) never knew his famous father, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, who died before he was born. Still, there’s no denying that boxing is in his blood, so Adonis heads to Philadelphia, the site of Apollo Creed’s legendary match with a tough upstart named Rocky Balboa. Once in the City of Brotherly Love, Adonis tracks down Rocky (played by Stallone) and asks him to be his trainer. Despite his insistence that he is out of the fight game for good, Rocky sees in Adonis the strength and determination he had known in Apollo — the fierce rival who became his closest friend. Agreeing to take him on, Rocky trains the young fighter, even as the former champ is battling an opponent more deadly than any he faced in the ring. With Rocky in his corner, it isn’t long before Adonis gets his own shot at the title…but can he develop not only the drive but also the heart of a true fighter, in time to get into the ring? Also starring Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad and Anthony Bellew. Stallone received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Creed.” The movie was a hit with critics and moviegoers.

“Brooklyn” debuted at No. 5. “Brooklyn” tells the story of Eilis Lacey (played by Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother’s home for the shores of New York City. The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Eilis into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her new vivacity is disrupted by her past, and Eilis must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within. The film is directed by John Crowley from a screenplay by Nick Hornby based on the novel by Colm Tóibín. “Brooklyn” also stars Domhnall Gleeson, Emory Cohen with Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters. “Brooklyn” received three Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actress (for Ronan). The movie was praised by most critics and did fairly well at the box office in limited release.